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The American company Raytheon Technologies has completed the delivery of all 23 low-speed Joint Precision Approach and Landing Systems (JPAL) units for the US Navy ahead of schedule. The contract for the development and supply of equipment was concluded in 2019.
This GPS navigation software system is designed for precise approach of aircraft, it directs aircraft to aircraft carriers and landing ships regardless of the state of the sea or weather conditions. Currently, the equipment is integrated into American F-35 fighters, recently JPAL were sold to Japan, according to the military analytical publication Naval News.
— Mark Maselli, the manager of the Raytheon Technologies JPALS program, told the publication.
Currently, JPALS systems are installed on all aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships of the US Navy, as well as on all F-35 fighters. In addition, the equipment is deployed on the British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth and the Italian ITS Cavour. Next year, the JPALS system will begin operating on the JSDF JS Izumo helicopter carrier of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces. Earlier, a representative of Raytheon Technologies, retired Rear Admiral Cindy Janes, told Naval News that negotiations are underway on the possibility of supplying JPALS with South Korea and France.
Currently, the company is developing more compact similar GPS navigation systems eJPALS. This equipment in a shock-resistant housing can be installed on small vehicles, which allows it to be used in hard-to-reach terrain in all weather conditions for an accurate landing of aircraft. The system can set up to 50 different landing points within a radius of 20 nautical miles, a company representative told the publication.
